Bass Pro Shops is known for its massive stores filled with hunting gear, camping supplies, and even giant aquariums. But according to one TikTok creator, those fish tanks aren’t just for show.
In a recent viral video with more than 370,000 views, content creator Kelly (@frankandash) claimed that Bass Pro Shops is being shady to avoid paying their fair share of taxes.
Kelly claimed that the outdoor retailer avoids paying most federal taxes by classifying itself as a museum. How? Its in-store aquariums allow it to qualify for certain tax exemptions.
“This is your reminder that Bass Pro Shops doesn’t pay (most) federal taxes because they call themselves a museum because of their aquarium,” Kelly said.
“Eat the rich,” she concluded.
Her frustration taps into the broader frustrations many Americans have about corporations and taxes.
While regular people have little choice but to pay income, sales, and property taxes, large companies often have the resources to exploit loopholes in the system. The idea that a retail store can gain tax benefits simply by adding an aquarium makes the rules feel rigged and unfair for a person who’s paying a large chunk of their hard-earned money to taxes.
Another Retailer Using The Aquarium Loophole
Earlier in the summer a Florida jewelry store was called out after a mom drove her kids to what was advertised online as the “Boca Aquarium,” only to discover it was actually inside Diamonds by Raymond Lee, a luxury jewelry shop.
Instead of a family attraction, visitors found just a few fish tanks tucked into the back of the store. Not much of an aquarium experience.
The jeweler has leaned into the controversy, posting mocking videos of critics.
Commenters have accused the jeweler of misleadingly using the aquarium to qualify for some tax exemptions, since in Florida, aquariums can qualify as non-profits.
Is Bass Pro Shops Taking Advantage?
Bass Pro Shops has expanded much of its business using millions in taxpayer money and special tax breaks, Bloomberg reported.
Over the past 15 years, prior to 2012, the company received approximately $1.3 billion in local and state support, often through deals where cities borrow money to build the stores and repay it with future sales or property taxes.
Its massive “destination” locations feature aquariums, taxidermy displays, artificial mountains, and indoor swamps, which are sometimes classified as public amenities or “museums,” allowing the company to pay little or no property tax on parts of its stores.
Critics argue that these deals rarely generate new economic growth. Instead, they shift spending away from local small businesses and leave towns on the hook when sales fall short or bonds default. Communities, including Olathe, Kansas, and Independence, Missouri, had to cover millions in missed bond payments.
Bass Pro has pitched its stores as tourist attractions and job creators, but most customers come from nearby areas, meaning the promised economic boost often doesn’t materialize, while taxpayers bear much of the cost.
Commenters React
“So let’s build museums in our home so we don’t pay Taxes!!!!!!” a top comment read.
“Corporate overlords are evil,” a person said.
“The world’s smallest museum attached the to world’s largest gift shop,” another pointed out.
“Don’t hate the player. Hate the game,” a commenter wrote.
@frankandash Wild ain’t it @bassproshops #eattherich #taxtherich #billionaireromance #taylorswift #engaged
BroBible reached out to Kelly for comment via TikTok direct message and comment and to Bass Pro Shops via email.